Food Safety & Food Fraud Quarterly E-newsletter

Our Food Safety and Food Fraud Quarterly E-newsletter provides a quarterly update of the top food safety issues, the latest food safety and food fraud news and helpful resources for industry professionals.

Thank you for subscribing! You will receive the next newsletter via email. You can view the previous newsletter below.

In today’s global food market, consumers expect transparency and safety in the products they buy. However, recent incidents have exposed critical vulnerabilities across supply chains. These incidents underscore the ongoing challenges of meeting food safety and compliance standards in complex, multi-national supply chains and highlight the need for robust safety protocols, stringent testing and access to critical regulatory, food safety and food fraud data for effective mitigation of supply chain risks.  

Pesticide Residues in Rice from India

In recent months, reports of pesticide residues in rice from India have risen significantly. According to data from Ingredient Risk Identification by HorizonScan, there have been 150 issues involving pesticides in rice from India in the last 12 months¹.

This situation highlights the need for use of Good Agricultural Practices and a deep understanding of global pesticide maximum residue level (MRL) regulations to maintain market access for one of India’s most vital exports.  

Lead in Cinnamon

There has been a recent rise in lead contamination detected in cinnamon from Vietnam, sparking heightened scrutiny of imported spices. According to data from HorizonScan, there have been 11 issues involving lead in cinnamon sourced from Vietnam in the last 12 months¹. In addition, a Consumer Reports investigation found that one-third of ground cinnamon products and spice blends tested contained lead levels exceeding 1 part per million, a threshold that triggers recalls in certain jurisdictions².

These incidents were uncovered from increased testing that was implemented due to the incident in the U.S. in 2023 involving cinnamon-flavored applesauce, though the lead levels found in the applesauce products were much higher³. Other fraudulent adulterants in cinnamon include alternate species of cinnamon (e.g., Cassia sold as Ceylon Cinnamon), spent cinnamon, less expensive spices or flours added as filler, and unauthorized colors. The FoodChain ID Food Fraud Database contains 41 records of cinnamon adulteration compiled from a variety of global sources⁴.  

Counterfeit Wine in Italy

A recent investigation led by the French Gendarmerie (Gendarmerie Nationale), in collaboration with the Italian Carabinieri Corps (NAS Carabinieri) and Swiss Federal Police (Police Fédérale Suisse), has uncovered an organized group involved in counterfeiting French wine in Italy.

The operation, with crucial support from Europol and Eurojust, revealed a network of counterfeiters who had been labeling inferior wines as prestigious French vintages to deceive consumers and reap significant profits⁵. This multinational effort underscores the challenges of cross-border food fraud risk mitigation and highlights the importance of international cooperation in safeguarding the integrity of Europe’s renowned wine industry. 

Featured News:

Standing up to Food Fraud, featuring FoodChain ID’s Technical Director, Karen Everstine, Ph.D.

This article from Food Manufacture includes expert insights on combating food fraud. Learn about the significant health and economic impacts of food fraud and emphasizes the importance of robust measures to protect brand reputation and consumer health. Read more.

Fraudulent Fruits – “Organic” Produce Scam Uncovered

A recent investigation in Spain revealed that a criminal network had been falsely labeling and selling conventional produce as organic across Europe for at least six months to capitalize on higher prices of organic products. The operation led to four arrests and additional suspects facing charges including fraud and tax evasion. This investigation is part of the larger Opson XI initiative to combat food fraud. Read more.

Artwork by FoodChain ID’s Susanne Kuehne

For more information on food safety risk monitoring, subscribe to Ingredient Risk Identification by HorizonScan.

By Gul Basak Kiroglu, Regulatory Trends Product Manager

Food safety remains a central concern in the global food supply chain, with recalls and withdrawals playing a pivotal role in protecting consumers from potential hazards. Incidents leading to large-scale product removals can be caused by:

• contamination (foreign objects, mycotoxins, microbiologicals, heavy metals, pesticides and other substances)
• mislabeling

Globally 600 million cases of foodborne illnesses occur every year, underscoring the importance of robust safety protocols within the food industry. This article focuses on recent food safety incidents in 2023 and 2024, highlighting various food categories and the consequences of these events.

Food Safety Alerts by Category

According to Ingredient Risk Identification by HorizonScan™, the top categories of food safety alerts in 2024 were processed foods, fruits/vegetables, cereals and meat/poultry and eggs.

Case Study 1: Fresh Fruits/Vegetables and E. coli

An E. coli (O157:H7) outbreak in the US linked to onions was reported this fall. At least 104 cases were involved, resulting in one death and 34 hospitalizations, according to federal health officials. Now the company is investing $100 million to bring customers back to stores. In November, another outbreak of E. coli (O121:H19) from bagged organic carrots infected dozens of people in the US. Altogether, 39 people were affected by the outbreak, with one death and 15 hospitalizations across 18 states.

Case Study 2: Meat and Salmonella

Meat and poultry remain high-risk categories for contamination, particularly with pathogens like Salmonella, E. coli and Listeria. A Salmonella outbreak was linked to charcuterie meats in January 2024. The outbreak reached 33 states, hospitalizing 27 people.

A multi-country outbreak of Salmonella in chicken meat and chicken meat products happened between January and October 2023 affecting 14 EU/EEA countries, the UK and the US. A total of 335 cases were reported related to the outbreak.

Case Study 3: Dairy and Listeria

A cheese recall due to the presence of Listeria from November 2024 shows the efficiency of the quick measures applied. As of now, no reports of adverse health events have been reported due to consumption of these products.

The Importance of Proactive Safety Measures

The financial, reputational and public health impacts of these recalls demonstrate the urgency of continuous improvement in safety protocols, effective traceability systems and rapid response mechanisms.

As food products travel across borders and suppliers become more geographically dispersed, the complexity of managing risk increases. Recalls not only pose immediate public health risks, but they can also cause significant brand damage and erode consumer trust.

To mitigate these risks, companies must have access to timely, comprehensive and easily accessible data to monitor baseline conditions, track current threats and identify emerging risks before they escalate into major issues.

By Aslı Tuncer Madge, Regulatory Researcher and Regulatory Trends Consultant

Imagine this: A product your company proudly manufactured is suddenly in the news because one of your suppliers used counterfeit ingredients. Your company’s reputation is tarnished, and customers are left questioning if they can trust you again. Food fraud is not just a theoretical issue. It is a direct threat to the integrity of your supply chain, the safety of your consumers, and potentially the survival of your business. From counterfeit olive oil to lead-laced cinnamon, these deliberate acts of deception put health, trust and profitability on the line. But food manufacturers can fight back with the right tools, strategies and vigilance.

Food Fraud 101: What are the Risks?

Food fraud, defined as the intentional adulteration of food for economic gain, includes practices like adding unauthorized pigments to spices, diluting virgin olive oil with cheaper oils, or substituting honey with sugar syrups. These actions, while profitable for fraudsters, have ripple effects throughout the supply chain. According to Europol, a recent operation uncovered counterfeit and substandard food products worth over €91 million, including dyed olive oils and mislabeled tuna.

According to a recent publication in the Journal of Food Protection, 34% to 60% of records in the Food Fraud Database over a seven year period included at least one potentially hazardous adulterant. The ingredients with the highest number of incident and inference records included fluid cow’s milk, extra virgin olive oil, honey, beef and chili powder.

The High Stakes of Food Fraud

The stakes are high. Fraudulent practices cost the global economy and erode consumer trust. Consumers in China still avoid domestic infant baby formula 15 years after a disastrous food fraud scandal. Recently, counterfeit vodka was discovered in Scotland containing toxic isopropyl alcohol, which can result in severe health risks including stomach pain, vomiting and even death.

Why Testing Alone Is Not an Option

Testing for fraud is not a perfect solution. Laboratory analyses are often expensive, time-consuming, and impractical for multi-component or finished products. Current methods require complex data analysis, which may not align with fast-paced manufacturing demands. Instead, the food industry relies on a combination of advanced technology and robust supply chain controls to combat fraud effectively.

Tools and Strategies to Fight Food Fraud

The Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) mandates that businesses with GFSI certifications implement food fraud mitigation plans, which assess vulnerabilities and prioritize preventive measures. Tools like FoodChain ID’s Food Fraud Database provide insights into ingredient and supplier risks. These resources allow businesses to stay informed about potential threats, supporting proactive responses rather than reactive damage control. Additionally, efforts to enhance supply chain transparency and train employees on identifying fraudulent practices strengthen internal defenses.

Practical Steps for Businesses

To protect their operations, food businesses should consider these actionable steps:

• Develop a Food Fraud Mitigation Plan: Assess vulnerabilities and define preventive measures in alignment with GFSI standards.
• Invest in Supply Chain Monitoring Systems: Tools like the Food Fraud Database provide customized alerts on ingredient and supplier risks.
• Train Employees: Ensure staff are educated in detecting fraudulent practices and responding effectively.
• Collaborate with Peers: Share insights and best practices with industry stakeholders to enhance collective defenses.

By staying proactive and leveraging tools like mitigation plans and real-time monitoring, businesses can ensure their products meet rigorous standards and exceed customer expectations. In the battle against food fraud, vigilance is the strongest ingredient.

The European Union’s Farm to Fork Strategy, part of the EU Green Deal, is poised to present significant challenges to the food industry. Our whitepaper provides a guide to navigating the complex EU food safety regulatory landscape and tips for companies to proactively manage the impact of EU’s Farm to Fork Strategy on EU pesticide maximum residue level (MRL) regulations. 

Use the control panel below the whitepaper to turn on full-screen mode.

Navigate complex regulatory requirements for pesticide MRLs, veterinary drug MRLs and contaminant limits with FoodChain ID’s Regulatory Limits solution.

• Provides access to current, pending and proposed MRLs and contaminant limits for straightforward horizon scanning.
• Updated daily and backed by a team of global regulatory analysts who monitor nearly 1,000 relevant government sources, so that you always have the latest regulatory updates.
• Includes a customizable change report system that notifies you when a regulatory change specific to your business occurs.

Intentional adulteration and food fraud remain ongoing risks for many food supply chains. With the FDA set to fully enforce the Intentional Adulteration Rule through comprehensive inspections starting in June 2025, is your current food defense plan strong enough to guard against insider threats? 

Join us for this webinar to hear from industry experts as they unravel the complexities of vulnerability assessments and compliance with FDA and GFSI standards. Learn how to protect your company and ensure compliance with the latest regulations. The presentations will be followed by a Q&A session, so be sure to bring your questions for the experts. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Key elements of the FDA’s Intentional Adulteration Rule (21 CFR 121) and their impact on your company. 
• Practical differences between hazard analysis and vulnerability assessment for food defense. 
• Effective strategies for mitigating risks related to intentional adulteration and food fraud. 

Ensure that hidden dangers aren’t lurking in your food defense plan. Join us for this informative session and bring your questions for the panel.

Speakers

Bart Dobek

President and Lead Food Safety Consultant, BD Food Safety Consultants LLC

Bart Dobek is the President and Lead Food Safety Consultant at BD Food Safety Consultants LLC. With over 17 years of experience in USDA and FDA-inspected facilities, he has worked across multiple food sectors. Bart holds a Master’s Degree in Commodity Science, specializing in Food Safety and Quality Management. He is a registered SQF consultant, FSPCA registered PCQI and FSVP Instructor, and an International HACCP Alliance accredited instructor. 

Karen Everstine, MPH, PhD

Technical Director, Food Safety Solutions, FoodChain ID 

Dr. Karen Everstine is the Technical Director of Food Safety Solutions at FoodChain ID, specializing in food safety data tools, food fraud prevention, and regulatory compliance. She holds MPH and PhD degrees from the University of Minnesota and has managed significant research at the Food Protection and Defense Institute. A key contributor to the Food Fraud Database at USP, she has published numerous peer-reviewed articles and trade journal pieces and recently co-edited a book on food fraud risk mitigation with Elsevier. 

Nate Ensrud

Vice President of Technical Operations, FoodChain ID

Nate Ensrud is the Vice President of Technical Operations at FoodChain ID, bringing nearly 20 years of experience in the food and pharmaceutical industries. He oversees North American technical services, focusing on product and food safety certification, including Non-GMO Project Verification, GFSI schemes, and USDA Organic Certification. Ensrud holds a BA in Chemistry-Biology from Ripon College and an MBA from the Wisconsin School of Business.

Food safety is important in retail and distribution to preserve quality, protect brand reputation and meet customer expectations.  

In this session you will learn about four key food safety challenges for distributors and retailers: 

1. Maintaining proper temperature control 
2. Sanitation practices 
3. Rodent and pest control 
4. Cross-contamination

Part of our ‘It Begins with You’ series.

Click here to view the Food Traceability List.

FoodChain ID Services and Solutions for Distributors and Retailers: 

• Ingredient Risk Identification by HorizonScan™: A daily supply chain monitoring system of ingredient and supplier threats for biological, chemical and physical hazards
• Regulatory Library: Global regulatory reference database providing instant access to current and historical regulations
• Regulatory Assessment: Global regulatory reference tool that analyzes products or bills of materials for quick identification of compliance across 220+ countries
• Regulatory Trends: Global regulatory and compliance search engine providing market intelligence on enforced regulations, drafts, proposals, scientific & trade journals and more
• Expertise as a Service: Leverage our renowned global expertise to address challenges and achieve objectives across the industry

Part of FoodChain ID’s ‘It Begins with You’ Webinar Series

Accurate food labeling is crucial for consumer safety, particularly when it comes to allergens and other important considerations. This webinar will provide an overview of the critical aspects of labeling for food safety, including allergen declarations, ingredient lists, other key safety considerations and compliance with regulatory requirements.

We discuss best practices for creating clear and effective food labels, address common labeling challenges and explore strategies to ensure your labels meet both regulatory standards and consumer expectations. View our webinar on demand to enhance your understanding of the role of labeling in food safety and protect your consumers with precise, informative product labels. 

Want to learn more about food labeling? View our e-book, “Beyond the Label: Six Key Components for Successful Food Labeling.”

FoodChain ID Services and Solutions for the Food Industry

• Regulatory Library: Global regulatory reference database providing instant access to current and historical regulations
• Regulatory Assessment: Global regulatory reference tool that analyzes products or bills of materials for quick identification of compliance across 220+ countries
• Regulatory Trends: Global regulatory and compliance search engine providing market intelligence on enforced regulations, drafts, proposals, scientific & trade journals and more
• Ingredient Risk Identification by HorizonScan™: A daily supply chain monitoring system of ingredient and supplier threats for biological, chemical and physical hazards
• Recipes & Specifications Solution: A comprehensive solution for managing specifications, suppliers, recipes and labels, purpose-built for the food industry
• Expertise as a Service: Leverage our renowned global expertise to address challenges and achieve objectives across the industry

Part of FoodChain ID’s ‘It Begins with You’ Webinar Series

Raw materials supply chain risks come in many forms – microbial contamination, chemical contamination including pesticides, fraudulent ingredients and other types of contaminants.

This webinar reviews efficient and effective ways to monitor a wide variety of data sources to stay ahead of potential risks in your supply chain.

The presenters discussed the many types of supply chain risks, how to understand what regulatory limits apply to certain contaminants in your raw materials, and how to be alerted of contamination within the supply chain when it happens. 

FoodChain ID Services and Solutions for the Food Industry

• Regulatory Limits: A suite of regulatory intelligence services providing global pesticide MRL, veterinary drug MRL and contaminant limit standards
• Ingredient Risk Identification by HorizonScan™: A daily supply chain monitoring system of ingredient and supplier threats for biological, chemical and physical hazards
• Food Fraud Database: A curated, searchable database of food fraud records to support GFSI-required vulnerability assessments
• Regulatory Library: Global regulatory reference database providing instant access to current and historical regulations
• Expertise as a Service: Leverage our renowned global expertise to address challenges and achieve objectives across the industry

Food fraud, or economically motivated adulteration, is defined as the intentional misrepresentation of food products for economic gain (1). As the food supply chain grows increasingly complex, the potential for fraudulent activities escalates.

Our video clip below reviews how digital tools can enhance and streamline food fraud risk assessments, featuring FoodChain ID’s Karen Everstine, PhD, MPH, Technical Services Director, Food Safety Solutions.

Want to learn more? Click here to view the full webinar.

Defining Food Fraud 

Food fraud (economically motivated adulteration) can take many forms, including substitution or dilution, mislabeling, adding undeclared colors, and the use of non-food grade substances (2). Fraudulent practices not only deceive consumers but also undermine food safety and quality. Additionally, the economic impact of food fraud is substantial. The average cost of a product recall can be around $10 million, and larger recalls can cost over $100 million (3). The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Preventive Controls Rule requires the identification of “reasonably foreseeable” food safety hazards in the supply chain, including those arising from economically motivated adulteration (4). The Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) certification programs specifically require a food fraud vulnerability assessment to identify potential vulnerabilities, highlighting the importance of food fraud risk mitigation (5).

External Data Sources for Risk Evaluation 

A holistic approach to risk assessment involves an interplay between baseline risks and vulnerabilities and current and emerging risks and vulnerabilities. Evaluating food fraud risks requires data from various external sources, including scientific literature, media reports, regulatory reports, and other relevant publications. By tapping into these external data sources, companies can gain a broader and more nuanced understanding of potential food fraud risks. 

The Role of Comprehensive Data 

Regulatory alerts are instrumental in identifying potential risks, but they are not sufficient on their own. This is because food fraud is intentional and designed to evade detection. Comprehensive databases, such as FoodChain ID’s Food Fraud Database, are pivotal tools to assess food fraud vulnerabilities. The Food Fraud Database tracks incidents of food fraud, market sampling, scientific literature on fraud detection methods and other risk data from the public domain. Integrating these varied sources provides food safety professionals with a single, trusted source of comprehensive data. Powerful data analytics tools within the system streamline food fraud risk assessments, and customizable alerts notify subscribers of new risks that may impact their products.  

Benefits of the Food Fraud Database

• Ingredient Groups: Users can build and customize lists of raw materials from the list of more than 5,700 ingredients currently in the Food Fraud Database
• Custom Data Exports and Alerts: Ingredient groups can be used to search, create custom data exports, and receive weekly notifications 
• Holistic Food Fraud Intelligence: The Food Fraud Database goes beyond regulatory alerts to provide insights on food fraud risks from the scientific literature, media reports, and other public sources 
• Data Analytics: User-friendly tables, charts, and heat maps provide visual tools for understanding potential food fraud risks 
• Supports Compliance: The Food Fraud Database provides targeted support for compliance with the economically motivated adulteration requirements of the FSMA Preventive Controls Rule and the GFSI Certification Program food fraud vulnerability assessment requirements 

FoodChain ID provides digital solutions, expertise and certifications to support compliance with food safety requirements: 

• Ingredient Risk Identification by HorizonScan: Daily supply chain monitoring for ingredients and supplier threats 
• Food Fraud Database: Identification of food fraud risks to directly support vulnerability assessments 
• Consulting: Food safety and risk assessment, Scientific and Regulatory Affairs (SARA) and Expertise as a Service (EaaS)  
• Accredited Food Safety Certifications: BRCGS, SQF, FSSC 22000, IFS and GLOBALG.A.P. 

Sources:

1. https://www.fda.gov/food/compliance-enforcement-food/economically-motivated-adulteration-food-fraud
2. https://food.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2021-04/food-fraud-reports_20210129_pres02.pdf
3. https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/au/news/breaking-news/product-recall-specialist-warns-of-hidden-costs-118509.aspx
4. https://www.fda.gov/food/food-safety-modernization-act-fsma/full-text-food-safety-modernization-act-fsma#SEC103
5. https://mygfsi.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Food-Fraud-GFSI-Technical-Document.pdf

Effective food safety risk assessments are crucial for protecting public health, safeguarding brand reputation and ensuring the integrity of the food supply chain. The importance of this process is underscored by regulations such as the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), which mandates the identification of biological, chemical, and physical hazards in food production and distribution (1).  

Our video clip below reviews key aspects to conduct thorough food safety risk assessments, featuring FoodChain ID’s Karen Everstine, MPH, PhD, Technical Services Director, Food Safety Solutions.

Want to learn more? Click here to view the full webinar.

Evaluating and prioritizing food safety risks requires a thorough understanding of baseline vulnerabilities and continual monitoring of current and emerging risks. Food safety professionals should incorporate both internal and external data sources when conducting an ingredient risk assessment. Internal data sources include communications with suppliers and laboratory test results. External sources include regulatory agency alerts, scientific literature and industry reports.  

This article outlines three key aspects of a comprehensive ingredient risk assessment:  

1. Identify Baseline Risks and Vulnerabilities 

2. Monitor Current and Emerging Risks 

3. Analyze Comprehensive Data Sources & Continually Monitor for New Risks 

1. Identify Baseline Risks and Vulnerabilities 

A historical perspective, such as a 5- to 10-year history of regulatory agency alerts, can reveal long-term trends and persistent issues. Scientific literature offers in-depth studies and data on various food safety topics, providing a strong foundation for understanding risks. Reports and white papers from industry and trade organizations offer insights and recommendations based on collective expertise and experience. Media reports from trusted sources can also highlight potential risks that may not be reported in current regulatory alerts. 

2. Monitor Current and Emerging Risks 

Analyzing both current and emerging risks is essential for maintaining food safety. Recent regulatory agency alerts are a primary source of up-to-date information on potential hazards. Additionally, credible news reports can highlight issues that may not yet be reflected in regulatory data. Regular communication with suppliers ensures that companies are aware of any changes in their supply chains that could impact food safety. Laboratory testing provides concrete evidence of contamination or other issues. Furthermore, recent economic and supply chain pressures can create new vulnerabilities, making it important to stay informed about the broader market context. 

3. Analyze Comprehensive Data & Continually Monitor for New Risks 

Combining data from various sources on current, emerging and historical risks offers a comprehensive view of supply chain risks. However, food safety risk mitigation doesn’t start and end with the risk assessment. It is imperative to continually monitor for current and emerging risks and industry issues that could lead to an increase in potential hazards including supply shortages, price increases and transportation delays.  

Compiling the data required for a comprehensive risk assessment and monitoring for new risks can be tedious when relying on manual processes, such as scanning the internet or monitoring multiple government databases. FoodChain ID’s Ingredient Risk Identification by HorizonScan™ is a supply chain monitoring system of ingredient and supplier threats for food safety professionals to streamline and enhance risk assessments. HorizonScan provides data on food safety incidents from more than 115 global data sources in English and tracks over 550 commodities, 180+ countries of origin and over 40,000 suppliers. 

Benefits of Ingredient Risk Identification by HorizonScan 

• Daily Monitoring: HorizonScan provides customizable daily email alerts, ensuring that subscribers are immediately aware of new hazards that may impact their supply chain
• Comprehensive Coverage: With data sourced from global government data sources, HorizonScan provides a comprehensive perspective on food safety issues
• Powerful Data Analytics: The system includes a suite of proprietary Risk Assessment and Supplier Check tools. Graphs, trends, data and analytics are provided in a user-friendly interface to easily identify top risks impacting your supply chain
• Supports Compliance: HorizonScan supports compliance with FSMA for the identification of biological, chemical and physical hazards

Practical Applications 

Integrating external data sources into risk assessment protocols is essential for robust and proactive management of food safety risks. By leveraging the insights and powerful analytics tools provided by systems like HorizonScan, companies can: 

• Enhance Preparedness: Stay informed about the latest threats and prepare accordingly
• Improve Response Times: Quickly address issues that could impact your supply chain, minimizing potential harm
• Support Continuous Improvement: Use trend data to refine and improve food safety practices over time

The integration of external data is a vital component of effective risk assessments in the food industry. Tools like HorizonScan provide comprehensive data that help companies stay ahead of potential risks. 

FoodChain ID provides digital solutions, expertise and certifications to support compliance with food safety requirements: 

• Ingredient Risk Identification by HorizonScan: Daily supply chain monitoring for ingredients and supplier threats 
• Food Fraud Database: Identification of food fraud (economically motivated adulteration) risks to directly support vulnerability assessments 
• Consulting: Food safety and risk assessment, Scientific and Regulatory Affairs (SARA) and Expertise as a Service (EaaS)  
• Accredited Food Safety Certifications: BRCGS, SQF, FSSC 22000, IFS and GLOBALG.A.P.